Edinburgh, Scotland (Friday, February 27, 2026) — Drivers heading through the city this afternoon faced significant disruption after a crash on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass forced police to close one direction of the busy carriageway, triggering long queues and travel delays.
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The incident occurred shortly after midday on Friday, when a collision — details of which have not yet been fully confirmed by authorities — led to the westbound carriageway being closed between the Calder Junction and Hermiston Junction on the bypass. Initially, only one lane was blocked as emergency services arrived, but the situation escalated, resulting in a full closure of the westbound carriageway while police managed the scene.
Traffic Impact and Delays
Traffic Scotland, which monitors major Scottish roads, issued an update around 12:18 pm, confirming the closure and warning motorists of expected delays. The crash has caused major queues of vehicles with drivers stuck in long tailbacks as they approach the scene. While delays were initially estimated at around 15 minutes, ongoing congestion suggests that many drivers could experience longer waits as traffic slowly filters through alternative routes and slip roads.
Police and emergency service partners worked to divert motorists off the bypass using the off-slip at Calder and back onto the carriageway via the on-slip nearer to Hermiston. This strategy is intended to allow traffic to continue moving while avoiding the closed stretch, but it has nonetheless caused considerable slow-downs and frustration for commuters and weekend travellers alike.
Why the Bypass Matters
The A720 Edinburgh City Bypass is one of the region’s most important arterial routes, connecting suburbs around Edinburgh with major roads such as the M8 and the A1. It carries local traffic as well as vehicles travelling to and from the airport, making any significant disruption a challenge for daily traffic flow. Crashes on this stretch have historically led to gridlock and long delays, especially during peak periods.
Past incidents on the bypass have triggered similar problems, with previous collisions resulting in carriageway closures and long tailbacks. In September 2025, a crash led to around 45-minute delays for drivers even after the lanes were reopened.
Safety and Caution Advised
Police Scotland has been approached for comment but, at this time, has not released detailed information on the cause of the crash or whether any injuries occurred. Until official statements are issued, authorities are urging drivers approaching the area to exercise caution, follow diversions, and allow extra time for journeys.
Motorists planning to use the bypass over the rest of the day are advised to check traffic updates through Traffic Scotland or local news outlets before setting out, as conditions may continue to change while the scene is cleared and the road fully reopens.
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